The world’s oldest living person is celebrating her birthday today, August 21, and she got a message from the Guiness World Record.
Ethel Caterham, who was born Aug. 21, 1909, was recognized in April 2025 by Guinness World Records as the oldest person living, following the de@th of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas at 116 on April 30, 2025.
Today, Caterham, who is also the oldest woman living and the oldest person in the United Kingdom, turns 116.
The U.K. native now lives in Surrey, England, in a care home managed by Hallmark Luxury Care Homes, which shared a statement on her behalf with “Good Morning America.”
“Ethel and her family are so grateful for all of the kind messages and interest shown to her as she celebrates her 116th birthday this year,” the statement read. “Ethel has again chosen not to give any interviews, preferring to spend the day quietly with her family so that she can enjoy it at her own pace. The King may be her one concession, understandably! Thank you again for your kind wishes on this special day.”
Guinness World Records also marked the occasion with a message for Caterham.
“Guinness World Records wishes Ethel Caterham a happy birthday!” the global record authority said in a statement. “We honor her record-breaking life thus far and wish her the best as she turns 116.”
Caterham previously told The Associated Press in May that the secret to her longevity has been, in part, to take an agreeable approach to most things in life.
“Never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like,” Caterham said at the time.
The centenarian also told Britain’s Salisbury Journal in 2011, “Say yes to every opportunity because you never know what it will lead to. Have a positive mental attitude and have everything in moderation.”
According to Guinness World Records, Caterham was born in the village of Shipton Bellinger in Hampshire and was one of eight siblings. One of her older sisters, Gladys Babilas, also lived a long life and died at age 104 in March 2002.
According to Guinness World Records, Caterham was married in 1933 to her late husband Norman Caterham, who died in 1976. The couple had two children, Gem and Anne. Caterham outlived her kids, as Gem died in the early 2000s and Anne died of cancer in February 2020, at age 82.
Carterham is also a grandmother of three and a great-grandmother of five.
